Aloha,

I hope you and your family are well. Here are a few things I'd like to share with you:

The Volunteer Special Enforcement Officers Program Wants You!
In 2003, while I was a Honolulu City Councilman representing West Oahu from Ewa to the Waianae Coast, I authored and introduced legislation creating a volunteer policing program within HPD. I got the idea from speaking to Neighborhood Security Watch volunteers in my district who were fed up with crime and drug abuse that was threatening our kama’aina way of life. With the support of HPD and members of the community, my bill passed the City Council unanimously on December 3, 2003 and was signed into law by the mayor that same month. I was also able to work with my colleagues on the City Council to secure $485,000 in funding to hire 4 additional police officers to implement the program.

I was happy to learn recently that with little fanfare, HPD launched the Volunteer Special Enforcement Officers Program (VSEOP) in March of this year. The program uses the existing Disabled Parking Program volunteers and gives them the added ability to issue citations for expired registrations, safety checks, parking out of stalls, and also allows them to assist with abandoned vehicle enforcement. In order to qualify, volunteers must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver’s license, pass a background check, and complete 40-50 hours of training.

If you’re interested in being a part of this new and exciting program, please contact Sgt. Emilio Laganse at 529-3136.

Bruddah Iz Lives On
It was a privilege to attend the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the truck convoy to remember Bruddah Iz on August 4th. Both Mayor Mufi Hannemann and I presented Iz’s widow, Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole, with honorary certificates for keeping his music and legacy alive. While I was a Honolulu City Councilman, I had the opportunity to lead the fundraising efforts to bring a bronze sculpture of Iz to Hawaii (the artist, Jan-Michelle Sawyer, created the artwork in California). When the word got out that funds were needed, donations flooded in from dedicated Iz fans from around the world. On September 19, 2003, we held a ceremony to dedicate the statue at the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center, where it can be seen today.

Grants Available for Urban Forestry Projects
I recently met with Ms. Jackie Ralya of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Ms. Ralya updated me on the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program which they manage in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. They have grants available for schools, churches, non-profits, and any other interested groups that would like to do education and beautification projects focusing on the planting of trees. Some groups that have recently received funds include Seagull Schools, Bishop Museum, The Outdoor Circle, and Surfrider Foundation. The next deadline to submit a proposal is November 15th. If you’re interested, please contact Ms. Ralya at 672-5167 or at jralya@hawaii.rr.com.

“Listen-Story”
My next “listen-story” will be held at the Kamokila Community Park meeting room (Honokai Hale) on Saturday, October 20th at 9am. Please come. If you can't, call or email your concerns.

Please contact me if I can help you in any way. My phone number is 586-6830 and email is sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov. Mahalo for the privilege of serving you!